The corporate ladder is a difficult climb, and it doesn’t get any easier as you advance. The higher up you go in the company, the more competitive the environment becomes. So how do you make it to the top? Do your colleagues even envy you? If yes, that’s great! You have just unlocked one of the best secrets of climbing the corporate ladder: it’s not how hard you work, but when! Let’s say that Monday morning arrives and you are stuck on the phone with a client.
You are dreading every second of this call because your boss wants answers from them by 6 p.m. sharp. Now imagine if your direct manager was also on the line; being asked questions by your boss could be quite nerve-wracking. However, if your boss happens to be on call too, then things become much easier for everyone involved. This is what we call situational leadership – the ability to hold people accountable when necessary and inspire them when required.
As important as situational leadership is, many people miss this aspect entirely while they are climbing their career ladder. Let’s take a look at how situational leadership plays an important part in advancing up the corporate ladder faster than everyone else.
What is situational leadership?
Situational leadership is when your position and the people around you are taken together to form a situation. It is your job to make that situation work for you. It is not your job to be liked by your colleagues or to make everyone around you comfortable. You can be nice and friendly, but you are also expected to be a leader – a leader who gets things done.
You are not expected to be “one of the guys.” You do not have to warm people up to allow them to perform at their best. You get to decide when people need to get things done, and you get to find ways to make it happen. You are an ambassador and a role model for your team. You show them the path to success, and you push them to be the best they can be. You are not just another “guy” on the team; you are a leader.
How situational leadership helps you climb the corporate ladder
If you have ever been in a difficult situation at work, then you have already experienced situational leadership in action. The fact that you are holding up in such a difficult position shows that you are a leader. It also shows that you are willing to push people to perform at their best when necessary.
That is what a leader is supposed to do. As you climb up the corporate ladder, you will find yourself in many challenging situations. These will test your leadership skills to the fullest. Be ready for these situations as soon as you get into them. You will be surprised to know how much a difference it makes if you start thinking about how you are going to handle the situation right from the start. This will make a huge difference in your performance and the way you are perceived by your colleagues.
Why some people reach the top faster than others
One of the most important things to remember while climbing the corporate ladder is that while you are working hard and advancing in your career, you have to remember that other people have very similar goals. Not all of them are going to make it to the top. What you have to understand is that not every person is cut out for a leadership role. If you are one of those people who had a bit of bad luck, it could be a lot harder for you to make it to the top.
However, if you keep trying, you will get there. Another reason why some people reach the top faster than others is that not everyone is driven by the same things. Some people are driven by money, some people are driven by power, and some people are driven by recognition or admiration. The common element among all these people is that they want to be known and respected. The key to success is to be recognized as one of the best at what you do. If you can do that, you will be on your way to the top in no time!
How to develop situational leadership skills for your career advancement
Step back and look at the big picture. When things are going smoothly, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle. When you’re in a rut, it’s easy to get down on yourself because you don’t see the bigger picture; you forget that you are making a difference.
Take some time off to look at the bigger picture and remind yourself why you are climbing the corporate ladder in the first place. Be a role model. When you are in a difficult situation, it’s easy to let other people down and blame them for making things difficult for you. Be the role model you want to see in the office the next day. Follow the rules. As a leader, you have to follow the rules. However, you don’t have to follow rules blindly.
You have the right to question rules and make an argument for why they should be changed; you have the right to question rules that are unfair to others. Lead by example – As a leader, you have to set the example. You have to lead by example and not just by words. You have to be the real deal, and you have to show that you mean what you say. Be responsible – Leaders are responsible for everything that happens on their watch.
They are responsible for making sure that everything is done properly, everything is done on time, and everything is done with the resources available to them. Make time for self-reflection – It’s easy for the hustle of your day job to drown out the hustle of self-reflection. Make time for yourself and remember why you are doing it.
Remember why you are climbing the corporate ladder. Remember why you are making a difference in the world, and remember why you have a purpose. Take time to recognize your achievements – It is good to take time to recognize your achievements. It will keep you motivated as you climb the corporate ladder. It will make you feel good about yourself and remind you that you are doing something right.
Conclusion
Leaders have an important role in their organization: they must make their colleagues feel safe. They must make them feel like they are not alone. If they do this, then they will be embraced and supported by their team. They will also become leaders themselves. In order to become a leader, you must be willing to take risks and to experience failure. You must also be willing to take responsibility for making mistakes. Finally, you must be willing to lead by example and to show your team how to lead.
